dryer sheets as bug repellant

Factual Questions
1

a co-worker told me something strange about her trip to her family reunion back in dteroit this past summer.

she said that at the big family picnic that a few of her family
members had dryer sheets pinned to their shirts. when she
inquired as to the reason, they said that it was their way
of fighting off the bugs.

i did a google search and found a few discussions of this
phenomenon - some suggest rubbing it on your skin, some
say tuck it in your belt, some say both.

is there any scientific explanation/proof that dryer sheets
repell flying bugs?

2

No, and there probably won’t be. For whatever reason, there are more folk tale related bug repellants than most.

Scientific tests have consistantly shown that DEET and citronella are the best insect fighters. Most other items do nothing or actually attract more insects. Premithorin (?) is a new item that also has shown great promise. DEET is still the standard for effectiveness and longevity.

Cites upon getting home where I can find them.